.  -- If the units are the same footprint, then why not just do 50/50 on utilities for each side and 100% when one is vacant.

Per square foot can only be used for a gut rehab in the same neighborhood with no structural or other environmental anomalies...so almost never.

That said, the assessor probably has at least a diagram of the home that they used to calculate the square footage and that would tell you the footprint of the house they have in their records. 

However, challenges remain, particularly with balancing environmental concerns and ensuring that new developments cater to lower-income families.

@Cody M.I would add a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment as a contingency to any offers on properties more susceptible to environmental issues (dry cleaners, gas stations, auto repair garages, etc.)

Don't worry about losing.That is likely not the only reason you are losing.We use this language for our clients, "Buyers agree to limit inspection repair requests to major structural, mechanical, plumbing, environmental, and safety issues."

Howerver, I have resrvations about how this will impact the community's living standards as the development will immediately border some neighborhoods and could bring unwanted environmental impacts and noise. 

Request a detailed list of documents and information from the seller, including financials, leases, contracts, capital expenditures, surveys, environmental reports, open permits, and the Certificate of Operations.2.Physical Property Due Diligence.

Eco-conscious renters are drawn to sustainable living options, and promoting the long-term energy savings and reduced carbon footprint can set your rental apart, making it more appealing to premium tenants.

.), existing site conditions (high ground water, site topography, existing soil types and soil environmental concerns, etc.), the location, depth, and capacity of utilities to service the site - including public utilities (sanitary, storm and water services), franchised utilities (power, gas, cable), capacity of the local streets to accommodate additional traffic from your development...Be sure to find out if there are any specific local ordinances you need to satisfy (possible tree & wetland surveys, together with any necessary tree & landscape or wetland mitigation plans) and whether there are any concerns from municipal departments (e.g. hydrant locations from the fire department, storm inlet and retention requirements, as well as asphalt / concrete road requirements from the engineer), entrance requirements from the road commission (left turn and passing lanes at the site entrance), etc.Once you get past all this you can finally prepare a preliminary site plan and enter the political arena to get preliminary site plan approval, and to address any concessions the board and neighbors want from you to overcome their objections to your development.